Leland Lee Grider, most recently of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away on November 3, 2024, at the age of 84 at IU Health Bloomington Hospital after a long illness with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born on July 31, 1940, Leland lived a life dedicated to his work, community, and family.

Leland was born to Roy and Lula Grider of Vallonia, Indiana. He was a cherished son, born late in life for the era, after his parents suffered the loss of three young infants. His older sister, Betty Ann Smithers Jones, doted on him throughout her life, and they enjoyed many years of camaraderie and close friendship as adults.

Leland had a long and storied career in bridge and road construction. He was considered one of the best in the business of preparing bids for major projects. He began his career at J.L. Wilson Construction in Bloomfield, Indiana, working there for many years before retiring from Beaty Construction in Boggstown, Indiana, at the age of 75. He took great pride in the bridges he helped conceive throughout Indiana, including the J.L. Wilson Memorial Bridge in Bloomfield.

Leland was very active with the Bloomfield, Indiana Jaycees in the 1960s and 70s, holding many local and state officer roles. He was particularly proud of being one of the founders of the annual Bloomfield Apple Festival and contributing to the construction of the local community building. He was also a member of Moose International later in life, enjoying many hours with friends and family at the Moose Lodge 500 in Speedway, Indiana.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Libby K. (Bland) Grider, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. Leland was the father to three children: Marilea Grider (Kirk Miller), Julie Doerge (Michal), and Alice Johnson (Michael); and three stepchildren: Lacreta Eskam, Amie Lundy, and Chad Bays. He was a proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren with 3 more due in the coming year. He is also survived by one niece, Connie Norris, and one nephew, Daryl Jones.

Leland is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, and his stepdaughter Amie.

Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10 A.M. until the hour of service at Jenkins Funeral home in Bloomfield.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday at Jenkins Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Austin Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery.

If you choose to make a monetary donation in Lee’s name, the family ask it be made to Walnut Grove Cemetery.